Those that hate Christianity are always trying things like this, and the "Church of Everlasting Love" as I refer to it doesn't help the image. I'd even argue that the existence of so many false "Churches" only serves to make it easier for things like this.
Can and does God forgive sins these heinous? Everything in the bible would say so. Is it as simple as "oh yeah just love God and Jesus and regret it a bit and you're good?" I think not. Part of repentance would be acceptance of the worldly consequences. I've often wondered, should a repenting Christian enter a plea of not guilty, for example? You're covering a sin with a lie. Anyway, it's still only for us to judge the man and give fair "worldly" punishment, then forgive move on and leave the eternal part to God.
I've been reading the bible a lot lately, sort of a "clean" reading not like bible study or looking up specific verses, but just reading it almost like a book. It's been interesting as someone who grew up Christian and had never really lost that, but lost interest in "Church."
That I do. I have a pretty good group of friends and family, some practicing Christians more than others but all with at least that similar moral compass.
It's been interesting though to just read through unhindered without someone trying to interpret things for me. Especially since a lot of it is really not all that complicated.
Part of repentance would be acceptance of the worldly consequences.
This is why Jesus told the thief on the cross "Today you will be with Me in Paradise," not "you know I am the Son of God? Cool, hop down off that cross and go home, dawg!" Forgiveness is eternal, but sin and transgression has temporal effects.
Those that hate Christianity are always trying things like this, and the "Church of Everlasting Love" as I refer to it doesn't help the image. I'd even argue that the existence of so many false "Churches" only serves to make it easier for things like this.
Can and does God forgive sins these heinous? Everything in the bible would say so. Is it as simple as "oh yeah just love God and Jesus and regret it a bit and you're good?" I think not. Part of repentance would be acceptance of the worldly consequences. I've often wondered, should a repenting Christian enter a plea of not guilty, for example? You're covering a sin with a lie. Anyway, it's still only for us to judge the man and give fair "worldly" punishment, then forgive move on and leave the eternal part to God.
I've been reading the bible a lot lately, sort of a "clean" reading not like bible study or looking up specific verses, but just reading it almost like a book. It's been interesting as someone who grew up Christian and had never really lost that, but lost interest in "Church."
Do you have any Christian friends to talk to or fellowship with?
That I do. I have a pretty good group of friends and family, some practicing Christians more than others but all with at least that similar moral compass.
It's been interesting though to just read through unhindered without someone trying to interpret things for me. Especially since a lot of it is really not all that complicated.
Good to hear. Keep reading and feel free to discuss
This is why Jesus told the thief on the cross "Today you will be with Me in Paradise," not "you know I am the Son of God? Cool, hop down off that cross and go home, dawg!" Forgiveness is eternal, but sin and transgression has temporal effects.